Minneapolis residents are in for a tight squeeze, as the city’s budget talks head into the final stretch. In a newsletter released earlier this week, it was highlighted that Council Members are up against a deadline to submit amendments to the Mayor’s proposed budget by November 20th. Council member Michael has made it clear that he won’t be pushing for any new funding, in light of a steep 8.3% property tax levy increase. “As a City, we have to tighten our belt, just as residents have had to do,”Michael stated, signaling his intent to propose cuts across all departments.
Michael’s opposition doesn’t stop at the budget. He was one of the dissenting voices in the recent establishment of a Labor Standards Board that passed at the Council meeting this week. According to Michael, the board’s formation was flawed due to a lack of public hearing and transparency regarding the administrative costs. “Putting the City in the role of a labor union will not fill empty storefronts in Downtown, Uptown, Lake St., Central Ave, or West Broadway,”he pointed out, underscoring the need for the city to foster a more business-friendly environment amidst a shrinking tax base.
On a brighter note, Michael shared updates on the potential development at 200 Central Ave SE. A 360-unit apartment building might just be on its way, thanks to interest from a national non-profit developer committed to long-term affordability. The plan includes 72 units pegged at 50% of the area median income (AMI), and 90 units at 80% AMI, with the remainder being offered at the market rate.
Community engagement remains a priority, as evidenced by Michael’s participation with the Sheridan neighborhood’s safety club walkers, blending in with city life and sharing moments with locals. For city residents needing assistance, there’s an important reminder: yard waste collection season is drawing to a close between November 25th and 30th, so ensure your yard waste is prepared properly for pickup. Additionally, Minneapolis 311 and the Minneapolis Service Centers will be closing for a day on November 21st to focus on service enhancements, but will reopen on November 22nd. “Residents can get City information and make reports online whenever 311 is closed or leave a message for a call back,”the newsletter detailed, reinforcing the various avenues available for community members to report issues and remain in touch with municipal services.
The looming festive season brings its own set of advisories, with holiday cooking safety tips front and center, to prevent fires one of the busiest days for domestic emergencies thanks to Thanksgiving traditions. The guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security includes keeping lids nearby to smother flames and never using water on grease fires. Along with these tips, the wise words for those needing heat bill assistance speak of available energy programs designed to ensure warm, safe homes as winter approaches, a necessary beacon of hope for many as the days grow colder.
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